So, Why the Heck Are All You Guys Wearing A Pink Hijab Today??

Okay, so today was Pink Hijab Day (yay!). So, as always there are the skeptical

"I-only-wear-black-because-it's-Sunnah-and-I-don't-see-the-point-in-doing-something-that-is-not-sunnah-and-that-type-of-thing-is-bid'ah"

crowd. Then, there are the ones who say;

"what is being gained by me just wearing a pink hijab? What point is that going to make? Who is benefiting from that? Why not just give money?"

Well... to these people we say this: What is wrong with helping to spread awareness about a certain cause? What is wrong with unifying Muslims on one day to not only give da'wah about Islam but also to put a smile on someone's face? Many men and women not only wore pink hijabs, pins or ribbons but also went to cancer treatment centers, did a charity run/walk, donated money and helped to raise money for many different cancer victims around the globe.

Islam is all about charity, kindness and compassion. If you showed your kindness today by doing anything such as making a du'a or giving in charity or just showing your support by wearing something pink this month for any woman in the world or any family who is dealing with cancer then may Allah reward you with Jannah-tul-firdaus! Ameen.

Narrated by ‘Aishah Allah’s Messenger said:

“Allah is Kind and He loves kindness, and confers upon kindness which He does not confer upon severity, and does not confer upon any thing besides it (kindness).” (Sahih Muslim)

Asalaamu alaikum

Najwa & Nadira

mail@Muslimah2Muslimah.com

http://www.blogger.com/www.Muslimah2Muslimah.com

Okay, So He's An Attractive, Single Muslim Brother...

I wonder if he is single or is he married? Is he a match for me? Wouldn't we make such a dashing Muslim couple!?!?

This a dilemma many single Muslimahs have quite often. However, society tells us that the man should approach the woman, or in Islamic standards, the Wali. What about the Muslimahs who spot a brother she is interested in? Do they just sit back and pray that he makes the move?

During the days of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), women approached men quite often for marriage. As a matter of fact, it is noted that when he was 25 years old, Muhammad (SAW)received a marriage proposal from a wealthy Meccan woman, Khadījah bint al-Khuwaylid, whose affairs he was conducting.

But nowadays it seems rather taboo for a sister to approach a brother regarding marriage. So, what is a sister to do???

What are YOUR opinions on this? Would you approach a brother you were interested in? If so, how would you go about doing it? Would you send your wali after him?

Asalaamu alaikum

Najwa & Nadira

Muslimah2Muslimah

Global Pink Hijab Day!!!

Pink Hijab Day is intended to shatter stereotypes of Muslim women, as well as raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. All over the world, Muslims participated by wearing pink hijabs, pink ribbons, and donating to breast cancer foundations.

We here at Muslimah 2 Muslimah feel as though this is a great cause and also a great chance for Muslimahs all over the world to unify and support each other. Those of us who may have someone in our lives who has suffered with breast cancer or those of us who just want to support can do so on October 28, 2009.

Pink Hijab Day Frequently Asked Questions:

Q:How did Pink Hijab Day Start?
A. Pink Hijab Day began small, in a high school in Columbia, MO. A group of girls decided to wear pink hijabs one day to encourage others to ask questions about their hijabs and about Islam. After more and more people began participating, the Susan G Komen Foundation was contacted and Pink Hijab Day had its start.

Q:What is the purpose of Pink Hijab Day?
A: 1) To encourage people to ask questions about Hijab, and extinguish stereotypes people may have about hijab
2) To raise awareness and funds for breast cancer foundations across the globe
3) To encourage Muslim women to participate in helping their own communities

Q:Who can participate in Pink Hijab Day?
A: Anyone! Anyone can wear a pink item, whether it's a pink Hijab, a pink ribbon, or pink socks. In 2008, a group of students in Canada dyed kufis and wore pink kufis. Even if you don't wear anything pink, you can donate to any local cancer foundation.

Let's make this day a success by showing oursupport and getting involved. Check out the following websites to lend a hand of support or send a monetary donation:

Pinkhijabday.net

www.nationalbreastcancer.org/

http://ww5.komen.org/

http://www.breastcancercampaign.org/

Muslimahs unite!

Najwa & Nadira

Muslimah2Muslimah

Muslimah2Muslimah: New Shahaadah Interview : Nahleejah

In Muslimah2Muslimah's experience of reverts to Islam, we think the transitions of one's thoughts, opinions, and behavior, in fact a whole transformation of one's perspective in life is very interesting. Nahleejah is one of our friends on our Facebook and recently became a Muslimah, alhumdulilah.

The negative image presented about Islam since 9-11 here in the states has really given Islam a bad name due to the media as well as people's lack of understanding. The stereotypes about the treatment of women has been rampant in the media for many years with the Taliban and other "extremist" groups. We thought it would be interesting to interview Nahleejah, who in the midst of all propaganda has warmly embraced Islam and get her Muslimah's Perspective on Islam...



Muslimah2Muslimah: What is your name?
Nahleejah: Nahleejah B. Anaum

Muslimah2Muslimah: What made you become interested in Islam?
Nahleehah: I loved how simple it was and how much dedication is put into it.

Muslimah2Muslimah: What does your family think about your decision?
Nahleejah: My family is really not at all close. However the ones I talk to like my step mom, dad and brother think it's great.

Muslimah2Muslimah: What types of reactions have you gotten from your friends or coworkers?
Nahleejah: Everyone is pretty much fine with it. [I] had one friend tell me she was not happy at all with my decision but she's got love for me still. She thinks I should give Jesus(PBUH) another try. Friends back home(Jersey) say Alhumdulilah(Some were born into Islam).

Muslimah2Muslimah: How has Islam changed your life?
Nahleejah: Well I've only been Muslim since April so I haven't experienced much plus I never go any where. Stuck in the house raising my two baby boys, you know doing the single mom thing. But for the most part I'm loving how simple it is, no more middle man like go[ing] through the son to get to the father. Straight to the point Me and Allah /Allah and Me.

Muslimah2Muslimah: What advice would you give to someone who is interested in Islam?
Nahleejah: I would say God/Allah is a God of peace. Islam is peaceful. God/Allah detests confusion. Islam is very simple. How confused can you get if you[r] at peace?.

Muslimah2Muslimah: Islamically, women are required to wear a hijab. Others say that you must also cover your face(niqab). What are your thoughts on this?
Nahleejah: Personally, I have no problem with either one. I choose to wear a hijab now because it's Hot I love the look. Niqab is not bad either I might wear that one day it's kind of mysterious I don't know why I like the ninja look, I love it though. I know that we wear these pieces for modesty, I feel that these pieces don't necessarily make you more modest than others. I'm sure there are some sisters who still get there flirt on with them on sadly(just keeping it real) I grew up in an Islamic community in Jersey so I've seen[it] before. It happens....
I feel that yes you should be decent and comfortable while maintaining a look that is pleasing to Allah and that doesn't have to be wearing scarves or jilbabs and such.

Muslimah2Muslimah: How did you feel the first time you wore hijab?
Nahleejah: lol wow that's a great question...Well the day before I too[k] my Shahaadah which I took on April 10th, I bought my first [khimar] at a local Islamic spot lol. I was nervous to put it on. lol I don't know why maybe It's because it was going to change my life. This hijab meant a lot, it meant that everything I was taught and built my standards on would change dramatically. I was excited and scared, I know it's a scarf, but that scarf to me meant freedom of choice and belief. I didn't wear it out the store I took it home and put it on and stood in front of the mirror looking at my self. You know it's funny as a woman your hair expresses so much of who you are whether it be short or long curly or straight real or fake lol it's your chance to let people know what your working with lol. Your outside beauty is defined on that alone, considering most people may have a prettier face than body (sadly societies thought process). Anyhoo, I stood there until I shaved that falsehood off and saw how much more beautiful I was with my hijab on. And I looked and felt STUNNING lol. I love it! It enhanced how flawless I am lol. I walked to the mail box then came back in and said to myself I could do it I could be a hijab wearing Muslimah. It's me!

Muslimah2Muslimah: What is your opinion on the common labels associated with Muslims ("terrorists", "extremists" , etc.)?
Nahleejah: Please....Islam has nothing to do with terrorism.

Muslimah2Muslimah: What is your view on the impression that many non-Muslims have that Islam oppresses the women and the women have no voice in their communities?
Nahleejah: I ask[ed] about that before I became Muslim too, I saw how women [over] seas were being treated and I swore I would never put my self in that type of environment(never say never I know lol). I did some research of my own and found that in the Quran women are highly respected.

Muslimah2Muslimah: The media tends to give very negative views on women and many non-Muslims base their views solely on this. What was your view on Islam and the treatment of women before you converted to Islam?
Nahleejah: My view on Islam hmmm...I really don't think I had any judgement on it, I respected it. I had a few questions that's all but for the most part I respected the dedication and knowledge it possessed. I was really very curious about it. I didn't realize how deep it was. I see now just how deep it is. I realize you have to be willing to learn and be open minded to see the beauty in it. Allah is beautiful Allahu akbar!

Muslimah2Muslimah: Has your view changed in any way?
Nahleejah: I just have a clear understanding on what Allah expects from us. No confusion at all.

Muslimah2Muslimah: How has Muslimah2Muslimah helped you along your journey to Islam?/ How have you benefited from Muslimah2Muslimah?
Nahleejah: It's helped very much so, it's nice to hear your perspectives on issues in Islam. We are basically the same age and some what at this time are experiencing the same issues and how you guys handle it or how other sisters handle it helps the next sister. Basically I'm not in this fight alone it's nice to have back up :o)

~Insha'allah, everyone... please pray for Sister Nahleejah & her sons and welcome her into Islam by leaving her your encouragement and wisdom, insha'allah! We are very pleased with her decision as we know she is as well. Nahleejah, may Allah bless you and your family in all of your endeavors and may He grant you Jannatul Firdaus! Ameen!

Asalaamu alaikum
Najwa & Nadira
Muslimah2Muslimah

What Do You See When You Look At Me?

What do you see when you look at me,

Do you see someone limited, or someone free,

All some people can do is just look and stare,

Simply because they cant see my hair,

Others think I am controlled and uneducated,

They are so thankful that they are not me,

Because they would like to remain ‘free’,

Well free isn’t exactly the word I would’ve used,

Describing women who are cheated on and abused,

They think that I do not have opinions or voice,

They think that being hooded isn’t my choice,

They think that the hood makes me look caged,

That my husband or dad is totally outraged,

All they can do is look at me in fear,

And in my eye there is a tear,

Not because I have been stared at or made fun of,

But because people are ignoring the One up above,

On the Day of Judgment they will be the fools,

Because they were too ashamed to play by their own rules,

Maybe the guys won’t think I am a cutie,

But at least I am filled with more inner beauty,

See I have declined from being a guy’s toy,

Because I won’t let my self be controlled by a boy,

Real men are able to appreciate my mind,

And aren’t busy looking at my behind,

Hooded girls are the ones really helping the Muslim cause,

The role that we play definitely deserves applause,

I will be recognized because I am smart and bright,

And because some people are inspired by my sight,

The smart ones are attracted by my tranquility,

In the back of their mind they wish they were me,

We have the strength to do what we think is right,

Even if it means putting up a life long fight,

You see we are not controlled by a mini skirt and tight shirt,

We are given only respect, and never treated like dirt,

So you see, we are the ones that are free and liberated,

We are not the ones that are sexually terrorized and violated,

We are the ones that are free and pure,

We’re free of STD ’s that have no cure,

So when people ask you how you feel about the hood,

Just sum it up by saying ‘baby its all good’.

-Author Unknown

The World is Becoming Less Christian!!!

America is a less Christian nation than it was 20 years ago, and Christianity is not losing out to other religions, but primarily to a rejection of religion altogether, a survey published Monday found.

Three out of four Americans call themselves Christian, according to the American Religious Identification Survey from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. In 1990, the figure was closer to nine out of 10 — 86 percent.

At the same time there has been an increase in the number of people expressing no religious affiliation.

The survey also found that “born-again” or “evangelical” Christianity is on the rise, while the percentage who belong to “mainline” congregations such as the Episcopal or Lutheran churches has fallen.

One in three Americans consider themselves evangelical, and the number of people associated with mega-churches has skyrocketed from less than 200,000 in 1990 to more than 8 million in the latest survey.

CNN somehow manages to blame the decline in the number of Christians on the Republican Party.

Meanwhile, the percentage of Muslims has doubled since 1990 ...

United States

Through immigration and conversion, Islam is growing in the United States. Some estimates say that the number of Muslims will exceed 2 percent of the population by the year 2010. In 2005, 57% of United States residents polled viewed Muslims favorably, 22% unfavorably.

In 2005, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) cited a 29.6 percent increase in harrassment of Muslims and an 8 percent increase in hate crimes over 2004. In 2008, CAIR reported a decrease in hate crimes, but a significant increase in civil rights violations.

During the recent US presidential campaign, Americans' attitudes toward Islam became apparent when certain people tried to label presidential candidate Barack Obama a Muslim. Most of us remember the emails that circulated accusing Obama of being a closet Muslim. Reactions to this were telling.

Obama's opponent, Senator John McCain, said he would vote for a Muslim if the person was a qualified candidate, however, John McCain's pastor, Rod Parsley, claimed that Islam is a "conspiracy of spiritual evil." A patter of similar villifications created a negative background noise to the entire campaign.

Colin Powell, a former US Army general and Secretary of State under President George W. Bush, said during his endorsement of Barack Obama for president, as a response to the attempt to label Obama a Muslim, "Is there something wrong with being Muslim in this country? The answer is no." Reaction to Mr. Powell's endosement and remarks was predictably split along party and liberal vs. conservative lines, indicating that Americans are still divided in their views about Islam.

Europe

According to the BBC, because of immigration and a higher-than average birth rate, the Islamic population in Europe is growing rapidly, and Islam is Europe's fastest growing religion. In western Europe, the population averages less than 5 percent of the overall population whereas in some eastern European countries Muslims make up 40 percent or more of the population.

According to the Pew Global Attitudes Project, western Europeans regard Christians, Jews, and Muslims twice as unfavorably as Great Britain, the United States and Canada. All in all, the western European attitude toward Muslims is right around 50/50: half favorable and half unfavorable.

Because Islamic immigrants form a cohesive, separatist entity within the host country, Europeans are concerned that Muslims will not integrate into their society. In particularly secularist states such as France, Germany and the Netherlands, this can be a source of conflict, as illustrated by the fact that more than 50 percent of those polled in each of these three countries favor banning Muslim head scarves in public schools.

There is a feeling among some Europeans that immigrants are being given civil rights over and above that of the natives.

The Middle East

According to the Pew Global Attitudes Project, Middle Eastern countries overwhelmingly favor Islam and look unfavorably upon Christians and very unfavorably upon Jews.

In Israel, about one in six citizens is Muslim, comprising about 16 percent of the population - a higher percentage than most European countries. Israel was not polled by the Pew Global Attitudes Project, and a thorough search did not yield statistics on Israeli feelings toward Islam, pro or con. About 35 Israelies convert to Islam every year. A New York Times Magazine article bore witness that Jewish Israeli youngsters harrass Muslim youngsters in West Bank settlements.

China and Indonesia

About fifty percent of people polled in China expressed an unfavorable view of all religions. Ninety-nine percent of Indonesians polled expressed a favorable view of Islam, while 76 percent expressed an unfavorable view of Jews, and 38 percent were unfavorably disposed toward Christians.

As part of the pre-Olympics clean-up in the spring of 2008, China accused their tiny Muslim minority of conspiring to commit terrorist acts, but no evidence was presented to validate this claim.

Indonesia is like a Middle Eastern country in its disposition toward religions. Therefore it is decidedly pro-Islam.

Russia

Russia has the most favorable view of Christians among those nations polled, and a favorable outlook on Jews, but a split view of Islam that is echoed everywhere but in the Middle East. Fifty-five percent of those polled viewed Islam favorably whereas 36 percent view Islam unfavorably. Similar percentages appear across the globe.

Freed from Soviet repression, Islam is blossoming in Russia. But ethnic Russians view the growth of Islam with worry that they are losing their national identity. This feeling, too, is echoed across the globe.

-Tom Rubenoff

Muslim Boyfriend?????

Dating in Islam is an oxymoron, there is no such thing! It's like saying frozen hot chocolate. There are no boyfriends or girlfriends as far as Islam is concerned. This doesn't mean that it doesn't happen this just means that it shouldn't. So I know your like, if I can't date him how do I really get to know the brother that I want to marry?

Well I'm glad you asked, alhumdulilah Allah(swt) has given us guidelines to follow so that we can keep everything on a lawful note. So first things first make sure that you have your standards and know what you are willing to except in your mind first. If you meet a brother and he asks you for YOUR number, he might not be the brother for you. You want a brother who wants to do things the right way and has enough respect for you and himself from jump that he wouldn't even try you like that. It seems simple an innocent, just a phone conversation but even a conversation can lead you into things that you shouldn't do. You talk to the brother, you crack jokes, you start to feel comfortable with him and then he says "why don't we hang out and meet up sometime?". Now this can lead up to you spending time alone with him. If a brother is trying to spend time alone you, it's not a good look.


Whenever a man is alone with a women the shaytan makes the third. (Tirmidhi)


A Muslim man is still a man and eventually you may end up doing things that you know you shouldn't. Avoid this situation and you won't be tempted or end up making a decision that you regret. This is why you should have your Wali in place. Your Wali truly is your protection. If your a revert like me, your Wali can be your Imam or trusted brother in your community. He keeps that brother in line and makes sure that everything is done on the up and up.Not only that but we are women and once you start to like a brother you might catch feelings and not notice some of the red flags. Your Wali is looking out for your best interest and is not going to be blinded by how cute the brother is.

You can have a "sit down" with a brother with you Wali present and ask all of the very important questions(we posted a blog with plenty of questions to ask and questions that you should be prepared to answer). When you are asking these question make sure that you are being honest. This is your way of getting to know each other. Don't just say what you think the brother wants to hear. If he asks you if you can cook, don't say yes if can't even boil water! When you get married he's going to expect you to follow through on what you said. Don't say you wear overgarment and niqab if you don't because he's gonna want to know where all that is when you leave the house without hijab. Be honest so that both know what you are signing up for because once your married you have both signed on that dotted line.

Now if you want to have the "dating" experience you can out as long as you are chaperoned. This means you have your Wali present or someone who is looking out for your best interest. Maybe you feel uncomfortable going out with your father present, you could have another married couple, your brother, etc. chaperon your "date". What you shouldn't do is go out with your homegirl and her boyfriend and call them your chaperons. If they're not doing what they are supposed to be doing, how are they going to make sure that you are? Consider going to public places like restaurants, art exhibits, parks, places where you know other Muslims will be, etc.

We have to make sure that we think long term, dating is what we see everyday around us and it can be tempting. But in the long run you want to make sure you are doing things that are beneficial to you in this life and in the hereafter. The blessings that you will receive, inshallah, from doing things the right way will be well worth the wait.

CLICK THE TITLE OF THIS BLOG TO VIEW THE VIDEO OR GO TO OUR YOUTUBE PAGE TO VIEW THE VIDEO FOR THIS POST http://www.youtube.com/user/Muslimah2Muslimah

Asalaamu alaikum
Nadira
Muslimah2Muslimah

Hijabi Recessionista: FIND OF THE WEEK: The Muslimah Nail Polish!!!

Who doesn't love a good mani-pedi? But whats the point when you know that you're not supposed to wear polish. We love the look of manicured nails and have also found it hard to let those acrylics and polish go but alhumdulilah we have found an alternative! We've all seen henna on nails which has the classic red-orange color which you may not want to wear all the time. You might what to keep up with the trends and maybe try a black, green or just a simple pink. No matter what color you want, you can find it in a nail stain on this site: www.Henna King.com

The nail stains are $14.95, which may seem a little pricey but it will last a lot longer than your average polish. So your nails can look right and your wudu is still valid. Think about it: a mani-pedi can cost at least $50.00 per month! You can be creative and mix colors and patterns or keep it simple. If you want the shine like a polish lightly buff your nails & you get the same appearance. Keep in mind that it is a stain, so you will have what ever color you choose for a while. This is the best invention since the shirt-dress!!! Well anyhow, we are definitely excited!

Happy Shopping!!!
Asalaamu alaikum
Nadira & Najwa

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Muslimah Social Lives....avoid the dunya

As muslimahs in the West, some of us are stuck between two worlds, in a sense. We live in a predominantly non-muslim society that enjoys many of the things which are forbidden in Islam. Dating, partying, drinking, doing drugs, fornication, skimpy clothing, explicit lyrics in music, cursing and overall bad behavior has become the norm here in the west. Those of us who were raised in an Islamic household find ourselves loving our religion and knowing the truth, yet reverting to and enjoying the easy, fast life in the West. Those of us who are converts to Islam may find the transition difficult at first and difficult to maintain.

As muslim girls and women, we have even greater expectations then our male counterparts to be the consummate muslim woman in every facet of the word. Meaning we are expected to look, smell, and in some instances even sound like the perfect muslim woman. What I mean by looking like is, of course, the Islamic dress. By smell, I mean some people saying that muslimahs are not allowed to wear perfumes. By sound I am talking about some people's perspective on whether or not a woman should speak quietly or even disguise their voices around men.

When we put all of these things in mind, we now have a woman who has the knowledge of how she should behave in society and how she may desire to behave. Some feel as though as long as they are wearing their khimars that they should be able to go anywhere they please. Also, they feel as though they can date as long as there is no fornication involved and wear wigs on their heads as long as their heads are covered. The prophet(saw) said:

"Allah (swt) has cursed both the Wasilah and the Mustawsilah (meaning the wig-wearer and the wig-maker.

So " covering" your hair with a wig is not an option. Wearing your khimar is not only a source of protection it is also a constant reminder. If you are considering going somewhere are being around people were you can't wear your khimar because it wouldn't be appropriate, then these are the places and people you should avoid.

It's important that we try our best not to get caught up in the dunya. While the clubs and partying may seem tempting, they ultimately lead us further and further away from Allah(swt). Our time in this world is very limited and we will be faced with many tests. The pleasures of the dunya will be very tempting because of the way our society portrays them. In television shows, commercials and magazines these short term pleasures are portrayed as glamorous and the women leading these lives seem happy. This sort of lifestyle will not provide you lasting rewards. Shaytan tempts us with this lifestyle and Allah(swt) has warned us:

" Follow not the footsteps of Shaytan. Verily! He is to you a plain enemy" in Surah
2:208.

Consider options available to you such as hanging out with your girlfriends, going to the movies, going out to eat and attending Islamic functions. There are many outlets for what we may call "halal socializing" which can be found through the Muslim Student Association http://www.msanational.org/ at your local college or university. Also, there is the Islamic Circle Of North America http://www.icna.org/ and The Islamic Society of North America (I.S.N.A.) http://www.isna.net/. Many of our local masjids have plenty of activities for young muslims. Try to be more involved with masjids in your area. This is a great way to meet new muslims in your age range with similar interests. In my opinion I find it is best to socialize with other muslims as opposed to non-muslims for the simple reason that you won't be as tempted to do un-islamic things when you are with muslim peers. In the Qur'an it states:

"O you who believe! Do not take for intimate friends from among others than your
own people, they do not fall short of inflicting loss upon you; they love what distresses you; vehement hatred has already appeared from out of their mouths,
and what their breasts conceal is greater still; indeed, We have made the
communications clear to you, if you will understand." Surah 3:118

Once again sisters, Allah knows best and if we make a sincere effort to follow by the examples of the Sahabiah (rah), He will be pleased with us, inshallah.

Asalaamu alaikum

Najwa & Nadira

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Prayer in America

Here in America, life is centered around Christianity and does not cater to the muslimah. Unlike in many Islamic countries, there are no azaans being heard or businesses closing for prayer. There is no constant reminder of Islam around us so we have to remind ourselves. Some muslimahs may find it difficult to continue their every day work, school and/or house duties and still be able to make all five prayers with the focus and diligence that is necessary for it to actually be accepted by Allah (swt). Some of us may also feel ashamed or frightened to be seen making salat because if the stigmas that America has on Muslim women. Here are at Muslimah2Muslimah, we feel as though we must take a stand on how we are viewed in today's society. Prayer is one of the five pillars of Islam and it plays a very important role in our lives as Muslim women.

When your are at work or school it may be hard to make your prayer on time with so much going on. Try to make sure that your every day dress is what you can pray in and that will make it easier for you. If you are a non hijabi, we encourage to you to cover, however if you are not there yet keep a scarf or a prayer garment on you. Sometimes it can also be hard to find a suitable place to offer your prayer. Some schools have set up prayer rooms but most likely your school or place of work does not have a space set aside for that. Allah is merciful and we have options available to us, you can find a secluded space or even offer your salat while you are seated. So whether you are in your car or in chair at work you can still try to locate the directions of the Kiblah, make your intentions and offer prayer.



Praying towards the Kiblah is an important practice when making salat. One method is to see where the sun comes from and goes down. This is sometimes quite difficult to find direction where there is a thick cloud cover or sun is at its zenith. Even if one finds out where sun comes out, it still poses some difficulty because the sun does not come out from east in all locations.Another idea is to find out the time at which your shadow points to Kiblah. There is a time in the day during which facing to sun or your shadow can get the exact direction of Kiblah. However, I am not an expert of this method or how to use it, so I am unable to give you any advice on it. The most practical, and fashionable way for a "Hijabi Recessionista" to do this is to purchase a key chain compass. These can be found at almadinatrader for just $5.00! http://almadinatrader.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=3



The Messenger of Allah (saw) has said:

“Prayer is the pillar of your religion and one who intentionally forsakes his prayer has destroyed his religion. And one who does not guard the times of the prayers, shall be made to enter ‘Wayl’, which is a valley in Hell, as Allah, the Exalted, has said: “So woe to the praying ones, who are unmindful of their prayers.” - Sahih Al-Bukhari

Just this quote from our beloved Prophet (saw) shows the extreme importance that prayer has on us all. Insha'allah Allah (swt) knows our intentions and if we make a sincere effort in this regard and pray for his forgiveness when we fall astray then we will be safe from his wrath. Ameen! Now, speaking from a personal experience of my own, as of last year I have begun to be steadfast in making all five of my prayers on time. Once I started this habit, I have been so much more in peace within myself and I find myself making better decisions. Insha'Allah, we are all striving for the Jannah and we all make mistakes unintententionally. Once we undersand how, as women, our actions reflect on all of Islamic society because we are the ones raising the children. If we become better role models for our children and younger brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and peers by showing them the ways of Islam, Insha'Allah this will help to build our Ummah. Now I'm getting off of the subject... we can delve deeper into this on another post, insha'Allah.



These are the opinions of M2M, but we would love your feedback! Let us know your struggles and how you deal with being diligent with your salat.



As-Salaamu-alaikum!

Najwa&Nadira